TV & VIDEO - Oct. 15, 1990

ABC to Say ‘Sorry’: ABC will try to soothe some ruffled feathers in Cleveland stemming from a joke in a promotion for the situation comedy “Coach.” Robert Iger, president of ABC Entertainment, promised to air an apology the night of Oct. 22, when ABC broadcasts the Cleveland Browns’ home game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White. When the Browns played in Denver against the Broncos on Oct. 8, the network broadcast a brief promotion for “Coach” during which Jerry Van Dyke, who plays an assistant college football coach on the series, commented that even if the Browns beat Denver, they would still lose “because they have to go back to Cleveland.” White sent a letter to ABC, calling the remark insensitive and disrespectful. Iger’s letter explained that Van Dyke’s joke was done “in character” and that no malice was intended.